All Seasons vs All-Weather vs Winter Tires
All Seasons vs All-Weather vs Winter Tires
Posted on November 20, 2023
Canadian weather conditions aren’t always ideal. Having a solid grasp of the different tire types will help pave the way for a safe journey on our roads. Read on to discover the specific functions of all-seasons vs all-weather vs winter tires.
All-Season Tires
These tires are designed with a finer tread and offer a perfect grip in warm, dry, or even wet conditions. Made with a harder compound for longevity, the temperature should be above seven degrees Celsius for optimal function. The term ‘all-season’ can be misleading. These tires function in three seasons, excluding winter, where temperatures plummet into sub-zero temperatures. The tires’ grip performance will prove poor in these freezing conditions.
All-season tires can be used all year round in areas where it doesn’t snow. Canadian areas, such as British Columbia, experience heavy snow during winter. Drivers in these areas can choose all-season tires during Spring, Summer, and Autumn each year. The smooth and straight tread helps the water slide off the tire in wet conditions. The tire’s grip design can easily hold the road in warmer conditions.
Winter Tires
When the temperature dips below seven degrees Celsius, it might be time to take out the winter tires. These tires are ideally designed for cold, snowy conditions. The tread has a block design and includes fine slits in the rubber. This helps to hold onto the snow and repel the slushy water. Some winter tires also include studs for an even firmer grip. The flexible rubber compound maintains a soft texture in cold temperatures. This helps to ensure optimal grip in these conditions.
Winter tires aren’t used throughout the year. Since winter tires take up a lot of space, and storage can become an issue, many drivers opt for all-weather tires instead. However, vehicles in snow-laden areas will need winter tires during this time of the year. Depending on where you reside in Canada, some areas require the use of winter tires by law. If you live in Quebec, all-weather or winter tires must be used from December until March. Ensure your chosen tires include the three-peak mountain logo. British Columbian residents need to use specific tires on certain highways. M+S designation or three-peak mountain logo tires are accepted.
All-Weather Tires
All-weather tires are the hybrid option. They can perform well in milder conditions, including heavy rain and snowfall. Temperatures can be above or below seven degrees Celsius. The mixed tread includes a blocked design, ideal for repelling watery slush, and a finer texture to grip the road in warmer conditions.
Potentially a more cost-effective option, these tires can be used throughout the year. If you don’t reside in an area where extreme snowy conditions are common, you won’t need to purchase - and find storage - for an additional set of winter tires. Transport Canada allows all-weather tires to be used in most types of snow. However, all-season tires have a shorter lifespan compared to winter and all-season tires and usually come with a shorter tread warranty.